Julz Goddard—known online as YesJulz—is a force to be reckoned with, even if her path to success reads like a Netflix drama (literally). At 34, this Miami-based social media mogul and entrepreneur has built a $3 million empire that includes her creative agency, 1 AM Creative, alongside ventures like a digital radio station, a record label, and a management firm.
But life hasn’t always been sparkling events and six-figure deals for Julz. Before her glamorous days as a Netflix star on W.A.G.s to Riches, Julz’s backstory was shaped by a determination born from hardship, her early years spent exploring the foster care system.
Julz Goddard, aka YesJulz: From Puerto Rican and Italian Roots to Miami Mogul With a $3M Empire
Julz Goddard, aka YesJulz, a cast member on Netflix’s W.A.G.s to Riches, belongs to mixed ethnicity. While her adoptive family is Colombian, Julz is of Puerto Rican and Italian descent. The 34-year-old shares a daughter, River, with her baby daddy, Duke Riley, her ex-fiancé and an NFL player. She often shares her life updates on Instagram (@yesjulz).
At nine years old, Julz finally found her forever home after her adoptive mother battled for seven long years to gain custody. This determination left a lasting mark on Julz, who once shared that her mom managed to scrape together resources for legal fees, a larger home, and even extracurricular activities like dance, piano, and acting classes.
Those formative years fueled Julz’s drive to succeed and later inspired her philanthropic endeavors, such as the Little Rascals Foundation, which supports underprivileged children and even launched a music program in a Haitian orphanage.
Fast-forward to adulthood, Julz first captured the spotlight in 2014 when she hosted a Sprite Remix Party for none other than LeBron James. That event marked her entry into Miami’s social scene and laid the groundwork for her digital stardom. With nearly 100,000 daily Snapchat viewers, she parlayed her talent for content creation into marketing gold.
Through 1 AM Creative, Julz has worked with brands like Puma, Beats by Dre, and Travis Scott, earning her recognition from Forbes. She’s also collaborated with Kanye West (now Ye) as the marketing director for his Vultures 1 album—though the partnership ended controversially when she allegedly broke a non-disclosure agreement.
Family Drama and Fame: Julz, Duke, and River’s Story
Netflix’s W.A.G.s to Riches thrust Julz back into the spotlight, this time as a reality TV star. The show follows the lives of women with ties to professional athletes, showcasing their triumphs, struggles, and plenty of drama. For Julz, her connection came through her ex-fiancé, NFL linebacker Duke Riley, who plays for the Miami Dolphins. The couple got engaged in July 2021 during the Rolling Loud Music Festival, a grand public moment fitting for two high-profile personalities. In March 2022, they welcomed their daughter, River, into the world. However, by May of the same year, the relationship unraveled.
Julz has been candid about the complexities of her breakup with Duke, which became a recurring storyline on W.A.G.s to Riches. Their relationship hit a particularly difficult note when Julz revealed she had an abortion after becoming pregnant during a brief reconciliation. Florida’s six-week abortion law left her with just 24 hours to make the decision. In a tearful confessional on the show, Julz admitted she didn’t want the abortion but felt she couldn’t face raising two children alone, especially after losing her job. The tension between wanting to expand her family and Duke’s reluctance—he already has two sons from a previous relationship—added layers of emotional depth to her storyline.
The fallout from her decision spilled over into her interactions with the other W.A.G.s. In one particularly emotional episode, Julz recounted how Sharelle Rosado, a fellow cast member, seemed dismissive of her trauma despite having prior knowledge of her situation. The dinner scene at Victory Restaurant in Miami captured the tension, with Julz visibly shaken as her personal struggles became fodder for group conversations. Julz later called out Sharelle for her insensitivity, creating a rift that fueled further drama on the show.
Amid the chaos, Julz has continued to share her life with over half a million Instagram followers. Her posts often highlight her journey as a single mom, celebrating River’s milestones and reflecting on their shared challenges. In one touching post for River’s first birthday, Julz opened up about her daughter’s early health battle with gastroschisis, a rare condition that required immediate surgery after birth. Julz recalled how doctors suggested terminating the pregnancy when the diagnosis was revealed at 15 weeks, but for her, the choice to proceed was a “no-brainer.” Now thriving, River symbolizes her mother’s perserverance and unwavering belief in overcoming life’s obstacles.
#WAGsToRiches Season 1 Trailer! Stream Season 1, January 22nd on @netflix (Source: @netflix) pic.twitter.com/c87h57jrFb
— OMFGRealityTV (@OMFGRealityTV) January 8, 2025
Despite the ups and downs, Julz is no stranger to reinvention. She has hinted at her post-W.A.G.s to Riches plans, which likely involve expanding her creative empire. Her past proves she’s not one to shy away from risk. Whether it’s hosting LeBron James’ party, spearheading Ye’s marketing campaign, or stepping into the reality TV spotlight, Julz thrives on turning challenges into opportunities.
Still, her personal life remains a central thread in her narrative. Her cryptic Instagram posts about being single, including a viral slideshow featuring WNBA star Angel Reese pointing at her ringless finger, have kept fans guessing about her relationship status. While she remains co-parents with Duke Riley, the two appear to have drawn a clear line between their romantic past and their commitment to raising River.
In case you’re interested, also check out Kodak Black’s chaotic love life. W.A.G.s to Riches is streaming on Netflix.
